The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Financial analysis FIAN

Conducting in-depth analysis of financial data to derive insights and support decision-making.

Revision notes

Updates for SFIA 9

  • This is a new skill introduced in SFIA 9.
  • Theme(s) influencing the updates for this new skill: Application of SFIA skills for finance and FinOps, Application of SFIA skills for digital service design and delivery.
  • Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping of other SFIA skills may be impacted by this new skill. Provide specialised finance skills - e.g. Financial management

Guidance notes

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • preparing financial insights, dashboards and visualisations to support decision-making
  • developing and maintaining financial models for scenario planning and sensitivity analysis
  • providing authoritative advice on financial analysis practices and techniques
  • presenting findings to stakeholders
  • defining the organisation's approach to financial analysis, aligning it with objectives
  • implementing financial analysis policies, standards and processes
  • developing a culture of data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement
  • providing strategic insights based on comprehensive financial analysis
  • evaluating investments, projects and services using financial analysis techniques
  • applying financial analysis to cloud computing, such as consumption-based pricing and cost optimisation.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...
  • Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

  • Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
  • Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
  • Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

2 3 4 5 6

Financial analysis: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

Assists in collecting and organising financial data and preparing basic reports under supervision.

Supports the financial analysis process by completing assigned tasks and seeking guidance when needed.

Financial analysis: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

Applies established financial analysis techniques and processes to carry out specific tasks such as detailed data analysis, report generation and interpretation of financial metrics.

Contributes to the development of actionable insights for decision-making.

Communicates financial analysis findings to relevant stakeholders.

Financial analysis: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

Performs financial analysis for specific areas, using standard techniques and tools.

Prepares reports and provides insights to support decision-making. Conducts cost-benefit analyses and supports stakeholder collaboration in the cost management process.

Collaborates with stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver relevant analysis.

Supports the development and maintenance of financial models.

Financial analysis: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

Leads financial analysis activities for a department or function, applying advanced techniques and tools. Develops and maintains complex financial models.

Conducts scenario planning and sensitivity analysis to support decision-making. Provides authoritative advice and guidance on recommended financial analysis practices.

Presents findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders, linking financial performance to business outcomes. Collaborates with stakeholders to align analysis with organisational objectives.

Financial analysis: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

Defines and leads the organisation's approach to financial analysis, aligning it with strategic objectives and business value creation.

Develops and implements enterprise-wide financial analysis policies, standards and processes. Drives a culture of data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement in financial management.

Provides strategic insights and recommendations based on comprehensive financial analysis, linking performance to business strategy.

Keywords
New skill